MBC vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA with Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairmont State University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

MBC vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC or Fairmont State ? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fairmont State University than MBC ($11,328 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 2.1% lower than at Fairmont State University ($11,411 vs. $11,656).
• Mary Baldwin University is 292.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $25,444 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.5% higher at MBC than at Fairmont State University (about $15,228 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Fairmont State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 229% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($28,135 vs. $8,552).

MBC vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC or Fairmont State ? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fairmont State and MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 90 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming MBC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Fairmont State ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; Fairmont State - Required.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).

MBC vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC and Fairmont State ? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairmont State students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.